Wrestler Wants Folks To Have More Pure Fun

Real estate & business

``Storm'' couldn't believe what was brewing when he set foot on his former Lake County stomping grounds.

The professional wrestler - who goes by his stage name - spent the last ten years in Clearwater, where fun and frivolity were as accessible as sugar-white sand.

``I ran out of time, where there were so many things to do,'' he said. ``Ten years later, I came back here and I couldn't believe I survived my childhood.''

What set off Storm was the dearth of activity for locals, especially after-hours fun and recreation. The rural atmosphere of the county had remained largely unchanged since his departure, despite the rapid rate at which Lake was growing.

``There's nothing to do here,'' he said. ``There's not even a decent club to go dancing.''

As Lake County's population continues to increase, so too has the desire and demand for more entertainment options.

Storm is aiming to stir up the staid climate with some organized activities, which he is spearheading.

He and his partner Paul Hannah have started Pure Fun, a weekend venue for live music, food and entertainment at the Southridge Shopping Center in Tavares.

The 8,000-square-foot building is geared up to cater to local youth on Saturday ``Teen Nights''; as well as adults on Fridays with bands and professional wrestling shows.

Pure Fun had a less-than-auspicious debut last month.

The first ``Teen Night'' attracted only a few people, and the event is being retooled with plans calling for more aggressive promotion.

Still, it may take more than one Storm to make a significant difference.

New entertainment alternatives are arriving at a slow pace, but locals are starting to get a taste of variety all around the county.

Leesburg Partnership Director Joe Shipes said family establishments such as roller rinks, bowling alleys and pool halls are becoming great additions where people can drop some of their disposable income.

``There seems to be a growing interest for coffee shops and places like that,'' he said. ``I think people would like to have nice restaurants to socialize at. I'd love to sit down and have a three-hour dinner.''

One of the most traditional entertainment venues is finding itself in greater demand locally.

Two years ago, only one first-run movie theater - the AMC Lake Square 12 at Lake Square Mall - catered to locals.

Now, there are three, including the recently opened Rialto in The Villages of Lady Lake. At least one multiplex is in the works for Clermont.

Still, not everyone thinks Lake County needs much more to please people.

John Zagame, senior project coordinator for Jaymark Builders & Developers Inc. in Clermont, said the area has earned its growth and reputation because of its green and serene atmosphere.

``I think it would be great if we got more movie theaters and bowling alleys, but one of the things that sets Lake County apart are the things unique to the area,'' Zagame said. ``It's a place for people to go and enjoy the lakes, and hills, and to ride a boat. The lack of things to do is what makes Lake County so attractive for people who want something other than the attractions.''

Such venues as specialty shopping and social gathering spots are also in short supply in all areas of the county. As the area continues to grow as a bedroom community for greater Orlando, that demand could also increase.

``There's not a lot of places for young folks to meet each other,'' said Howard Stockton, executive director of the South Lake Chamber of Commerce. ``I've heard that from many young professionals. That's definitely an area we could use.

``Everything else is within 20 miles from here, and people are still willing to make the drive to do it,'' he said.

Lake's ever-increasing population could change that. Even Zagame thinks commercial amenities and additional night life offerings will naturally follow the people here.

``We'll have all of the things people need to enjoy entertainment activities close to home,'' he said. ``I think we're growing intelligently.''